Robert Thomson delivers 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration

Robert Thomson delivers 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration

April 17, 2019

News, Talks:

The Chief Executive of News Corporation, Robert Thomson, delivered the 2019 Keith Murdoch Oration at State Library Victoria on Tuesday 16 April.

New listening in Arts : Autumn selections

New listening in Arts : Autumn selections

April 16, 2019

classical music, Film, Music, Musicals, Performing Arts, Popular music, Rare Books & Arts, Television:

New arrivals include this Autumn selection of popular, jazz, musical theatre, classical and film music on CD. Most are currently showcased on our wonderful listening posts in the Arts Reading… Read More ›

Walking the blue lake

Walking the blue lake

April 16, 2019

Buildings & streets, Cities & towns, Our stories:

Dr David Sornig ponders the history of West Melbourne’s lost wetlands, and takes us on a collective journey around the area.

Evolution of a fiery redhead

Evolution of a fiery redhead

April 4, 2019

Our stories:

One of the most enduring figures in Australian popular culture is ‘Miss Redhead’, who first appeared on the Bryant and May Redheads matchbox label in 1947.

Hang ten with Rennie Ellis

Hang ten with Rennie Ellis

April 2, 2019

Our stories, Sport:

Rennie Ellis combined his two true loves of surfing and photography when he captured the thrills of the annual Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach. A dozen of Ellis’s surf photographs are featured in The changing face of Victoria exhibition, ranging from 1970 to the mid-’80s.

Medieval lives: Working women in English society, 1300–1500

Medieval lives: Working women in English society, 1300–1500

March 29, 2019

Our stories, People & professions:

Until the late 20th century, the important role played by medieval women in the peasant household was largely ignored by historians.

Women changing the world, part three: Physical autonomy

Women changing the world, part three: Physical autonomy

March 28, 2019

Arts & literature, Our stories, Politics, Social life & customs:

In the third and final part of our exploration of works by women that have changed our world, we focus on women’s reproductive rights.

A darkroom on wheels

A darkroom on wheels

March 27, 2019

Cities & towns, Such was life:

An itinerant immigrant from Scotland took some fascinating photos of the Western District in the 1850s.

State Library Victoria calls on public to save Australia’s greatest news pictures

State Library Victoria calls on public to save Australia’s greatest news pictures

March 26, 2019

News:

State Library Victoria today launched a public appeal to raise $75,000 to make the extensive archive of award-winning photographer Bruce Postle available to the public.

Elizabeth Batman's doll

Elizabeth Batman’s doll

March 20, 2019

Social life & customs, Such was life:

Elizabeth Batman’s doll is a fascinating relic from the earliest days of Melbourne.

Such was life

Online Collection Spotlight: Bloomsbury Historic Dress in Detail

Online Collection Spotlight: Bloomsbury Historic Dress in Detail

December 23, 2025 0 comments

Watch the wonders of fashion unfold with this informative and visually stunning peak into the history of clothing. This video database, with companion articles, explores historical contexts, materials, and construction methods, enabling you to see how different garments were worn, and the function that each item served.

Arts

Online Collection Spotlight: Bloomsbury Historic Dress in Detail

Online Collection Spotlight: Bloomsbury Historic Dress in Detail

December 23, 2025 0 comments

Watch the wonders of fashion unfold with this informative and visually stunning peak into the history of clothing. This video database, with companion articles, explores historical contexts, materials, and construction methods, enabling you to see how different garments were worn, and the function that each item served.